Why he's No. 8: Purifoy is one of the SEC's most dynamic athletes, a versatile player who can beat you in all three phases of the game — offense (wide receiver), defense (cornerback) and special teams (blocking kicks, forcing fumbles). As a true sophomore last season, Purifoy recorded 51 tackles, broke up five passes and forced a fumble in his 12 starts at cornerback. He may have been even more productive on special teams, where he blocked two punts (one to beat Louisiana in the closing seconds) and forced two fumbles. He'll have a package of plays on offense this season, where the Gators are hoping he can be a downfield threat in the passing game.

<p><i>Gatorsports.com counts down this season's standout players in the nation's toughest conference.</i></p><p><b>No. 8 Loucheiz Purifoy</b></p><p><b>Position:</b> Cornerback/Wide receiver</p><p><b>School:</b> Florida</p><p><b>Height:</b> 6-foot</p><p><b>Weight:</b> 190 pounds</p><p><b>Year:</b> Junior</p><p><b>Why he's No. 8:</b> Purifoy is one of the SEC's most dynamic athletes, a versatile player who can beat you in all three phases of the game — offense (wide receiver), defense (cornerback) and special teams (blocking kicks, forcing fumbles). As a true sophomore last season, Purifoy recorded 51 tackles, broke up five passes and forced a fumble in his 12 starts at cornerback. He may have been even more productive on special teams, where he blocked two punts (one to beat Louisiana in the closing seconds) and forced two fumbles. He'll have a package of plays on offense this season, where the Gators are hoping he can be a downfield threat in the passing game.</p>